SUDAN: The United Nations Security Council yesterday voted to create a UN peacekeeping force in Sudan's Darfur region, despite the Khartoum government's strong opposition.
The vote was 12 in favour, with abstentions from Russia, China and Qatar, the only Arab council member.
But the troops will not be deployed until Sudan agrees.
The UN wants to replace or absorb an African Union force in Darfur, which has only enough money to exist until its mandate expires on September 30th and has been unable to halt the humanitarian crisis in the lawless west of the country, which the United States describes as genocide.
The Darfur conflict erupted in February 2003 when non-Arab rebels took up arms against the government.
In response, the government mobilised Arab militias known as Janjaweed, which have been accused of murder, rape and looting.
Rebel groups have splintered and are now conducting similar atrocities against civilians. Bloodshed has only increased since the government signed a peace agreement with two rebel groups in May.
Fighting, disease and hunger have killed tens of thousands of people and driven some 2.5 million into squalid camps.
The resolution calls for up to 22,500 UN troops and police officers and an immediate injection of air, engineering and communications support for the 7,000-member African force.
The measure, drafted by Britain and the US, is designed to allow planning and recruitment of troops for an eventual handover.
"It is imperative that we move immediately to implement it fully to stop the tragic events unfolding in Darfur," US ambassador John Bolton said. "Every day we delay only adds to the suffering of the Sudanese people and extends the genocide."
Sudan's UN envoys refused to attend the meeting, Britain's deputy ambassador Karen Pierce said. In Khartoum, Ali Tamin Fartak, a presidential adviser, said: "Our stand is very clear, that the Sudanese government has not been consulted and it is not appropriate to pass a resolution before they seek the permission of Sudan.
UN officials have warned of a catastrophe if help does not come soon. Jan Egeland, the emergency relief co-ordinator, said the people driven into camps are in danger from both pro-government militia and rebel groups.
Escalating violence has reduced aid access in Darfur to its lowest level since the conflict began. Another aid worker was killed in Darfur on Wednesday, bringing the total to 12 deaths since the May peace deal.
Security Council members hoped Sudan would not refuse an immediate strengthening of the African Union force. Arab nations have vowed to support the African troops but have not done so yet.
Darfur rebels said yesterday that Sudanese aircraft and troops attacked villages in the western region ahead of the Security Council vote.